Policies & IssuesJul 24, 2026
New Trump Tariffs: What They Mean for Jewelry The new sweeping slate of tariffs impacts 60 countries, including India, China, Thailand, Hong Kong, and the United Arab Emirates.
EditorsJan 27, 2021
Internet Gobbles Up Cookie Monster Geode
People are going wild for the rock, with some buyers offering a lot of dough for it.
The “Cookie Monster” geode from Brazil was uncovered in November and set the internet on fire when it was revealed. (Photo credit: Kennedy News & Media)
It’s the kind of news we all needed, and the internet did not disappoint in delivering.
Providing a fun balm amid the continued politics- and coronavirus-saturated news cycles, the discovery of an agate geode that looks just like Cookie Monster has taken over the online world.
The geode was uncovered in November in the Rio Grande do Sul region of Brazil. A Brazilian contact gave gemologist Lucas Fassari the geode, and he then sent it to Mike Bowers, who has been in the trade for years.
When the egg-sized geode was cracked open, the interior revealed an agate formation that outlined the same wide smile, googly eyes and even similar coloring as many people’s favorite Sesame Street character.
Bowers said while it is “somewhat uncommon” to find a face shape within agates, it’s also just like looking at the clouds—you kind of see a face.
What makes the “Cookie Monster” agate unique is that there is no doubt—it is Cookie Monster, and no explanation is required—the image is very sharp and the grayish-blue color is perfect for the character.
What makes it museum-grade, he added, is that the “Cookie Monster” is clean and obvious to anyone, the agate hasn’t been treated, and the formation is complete on both sides.
“I have yet to see any other natural agate example of Cookie Monster.”
Clearly, everyone loves it.
This is proven in part by the offers he has been getting for it, starting at around $10,000 when it was first revealed but now that it has gone viral, offers from around the world for “way above that number.”
Bowers posted a video to Facebook, showcasing an awesome reveal of the inside set to Cookie Monster’s “C is for Cookie” song.
It’s gotten close to 1 million views, more than 13,000 shares, and 1,400 comments.
Bowers said on his Facebook page he has been “submerged” by requests to use the video, which doesn’t surprise me at all.
(As an aside, I sifted through Bowers’ page while working on this story and let me tell you, if you’re a lover of interesting mineral specimens, be sure to scroll through it. He doesn’t disappoint.)
The Facebook video went up on Jan. 16, and the Cookie Monster geode got more love on Saturday, when Dr. Jacqueline Antonovich, historian of medicine, gender and politics and assistant professor at Pennsylvania’s Muhlenberg College, tweeted about it.
Providing a fun balm amid the continued politics- and coronavirus-saturated news cycles, the discovery of an agate geode that looks just like Cookie Monster has taken over the online world.
The geode was uncovered in November in the Rio Grande do Sul region of Brazil. A Brazilian contact gave gemologist Lucas Fassari the geode, and he then sent it to Mike Bowers, who has been in the trade for years.
When the egg-sized geode was cracked open, the interior revealed an agate formation that outlined the same wide smile, googly eyes and even similar coloring as many people’s favorite Sesame Street character.
Bowers said while it is “somewhat uncommon” to find a face shape within agates, it’s also just like looking at the clouds—you kind of see a face.
What makes the “Cookie Monster” agate unique is that there is no doubt—it is Cookie Monster, and no explanation is required—the image is very sharp and the grayish-blue color is perfect for the character.
What makes it museum-grade, he added, is that the “Cookie Monster” is clean and obvious to anyone, the agate hasn’t been treated, and the formation is complete on both sides.
“I have yet to see any other natural agate example of Cookie Monster.”
Clearly, everyone loves it.
This is proven in part by the offers he has been getting for it, starting at around $10,000 when it was first revealed but now that it has gone viral, offers from around the world for “way above that number.”
Bowers posted a video to Facebook, showcasing an awesome reveal of the inside set to Cookie Monster’s “C is for Cookie” song.
It’s gotten close to 1 million views, more than 13,000 shares, and 1,400 comments.
Bowers said on his Facebook page he has been “submerged” by requests to use the video, which doesn’t surprise me at all.
(As an aside, I sifted through Bowers’ page while working on this story and let me tell you, if you’re a lover of interesting mineral specimens, be sure to scroll through it. He doesn’t disappoint.)
The Facebook video went up on Jan. 16, and the Cookie Monster geode got more love on Saturday, when Dr. Jacqueline Antonovich, historian of medicine, gender and politics and assistant professor at Pennsylvania’s Muhlenberg College, tweeted about it.
My kind of news day:
— Dr. Jacqueline Antonovich (@jackiantonovich) January 23, 2021
"Geologist Finds Rare Formation Inside Rock That Looks Exactly Like Cookie Monster on Sesame Street" pic.twitter.com/rKftbLw804
As of Wednesday, news of the geode from her had been retweeted more than 87,000 times, plus it got so much love on Instagram, from what I saw. I alone was sent the news by more than a half-dozen people, inside the industry and out.
I was also shocked at how many news articles have been devoted to the Cookie Monster geode, which is a great way to remind everyone why the area of gems and minerals is so much fun.
But the ultimate sign of approval? A tweet from Cookie Monster himself.
I was also shocked at how many news articles have been devoted to the Cookie Monster geode, which is a great way to remind everyone why the area of gems and minerals is so much fun.
But the ultimate sign of approval? A tweet from Cookie Monster himself.
Me no geologist, but me think dat rock look a lot like me... https://t.co/444KeOrAbi
— Cookie Monster (@MeCookieMonster) January 25, 2021
Bowers said at this point, he plans to keep the stone.
He added it likely will end up in a museum, high-end collection or belonging to “a very special person”; the person who plays Cookie Monster on Sesame Street even contacted them.
Still, for now, they want to enjoy the stone.
“It is totally unique and it is awesome to see everyone loving this stone as much as we do. Mother Nature millions of years ago knew it,” he said.
He added it likely will end up in a museum, high-end collection or belonging to “a very special person”; the person who plays Cookie Monster on Sesame Street even contacted them.
Still, for now, they want to enjoy the stone.
“It is totally unique and it is awesome to see everyone loving this stone as much as we do. Mother Nature millions of years ago knew it,” he said.
The fun and enjoyment around this thing is really something.
I love that people get excited to see what nature can create, whether it’s a Sesame Street character or one of the most commonly recognized, and beloved, shapes on earth.
Earlier this month, before news of Cookie Monster blew up, Uruguay Minerals uncovered an amethyst geode on the border of Uruguay and Brazil where the crystal formation inside was in the shape of a heart.
Here’s hoping news like this just keeps coming.
I love that people get excited to see what nature can create, whether it’s a Sesame Street character or one of the most commonly recognized, and beloved, shapes on earth.
Earlier this month, before news of Cookie Monster blew up, Uruguay Minerals uncovered an amethyst geode on the border of Uruguay and Brazil where the crystal formation inside was in the shape of a heart.
Here’s hoping news like this just keeps coming.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Editors
The Latest
TrendsJul 24, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Ode to ‘The Odyssey’From coin pendants to diamond shields, these old world-inspired jewels are the perfect accessory for an epic journey.
TrendsJul 24, 2026
Courtney Leidy’s Silk Cord Pendants Center Unexpected Pairings Our Piece of the Week pairs a checkerboard-cut amethyst with an ivy green silk cord.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
PodcastsJul 23, 2026
Episode 7: Reinhold Jewelers on the Power of RelationshipsMildred Marcano Abrams and Yael Reinhold join the podcast to talk community connections, holiday plans, and preserving Reinhold’s legacy.
Weekly QuizJul 23, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingJul 23, 2026
De Beers’ Production Jumps 88 Percent in Q2 Production also was up in the first half of 2026 but is expected to “substantially” decrease in H2 as two key mines undergo maintenance.
CollectionsJul 23, 2026
Silvia Furmanovich’s New Collection Travels Back to the 1920s“Art Deco” fuses ancestral techniques, rare materials, and modern perspectives as a tribute to the optimism and curiosity of the movement.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
IndependentsJul 23, 2026
Sissy's Log Cabin Opens Casino StoreThe jeweler’s newest store is inside Arkansas’ Saracen Casino Resort.
WatchesJul 23, 2026
Movado Inks Licensing Deal With Kate Spade New YorkThe watch company will design, manufacture, and distribute Kate Spade New York watches.
Policies & IssuesJul 22, 2026
Trump to Put 50% Tariff on Canadian Goods The higher tax is set to go into effect in August and will apply to loose polished diamonds as well as precious and base metals jewelry.
CollectionsJul 22, 2026
Monica Rich Kosann’s High Jewelry Is FruitfulThe “Enchanted Garden” series features a cherry, lemon, and pear that each hold a little secret inside.
IndependentsJul 22, 2026
Liljenquist Beckstead Opens Rolex New BoutiqueIt’s located in Tysons Galleria, an upscale shopping center in the Washington, D.C., metro area.
Events & AwardsJul 22, 2026
NY Now Returns in August Under New OwnershipThe show, recently acquired by Rockview Management Group, will be held at New York City’s Javits Center from Aug. 2-4.
ColumnistsJul 21, 2026
Sherry Smith: Shattering the Illusion of the ‘Either/Or’ Diamond MarketSmith offers retailers guidance on creating an environment where natural and lab-grown diamonds can both thrive.
Events & AwardsJul 21, 2026
Apollo Funds Completes Emerald AcquisitionFormer Emerald President and CEO Hervé Sedky has transitioned to the role of senior advisor.
CollectionsJul 21, 2026
Graff’s New Butterfly High Jewelry Brooches MetamorphosizeThe 12-piece capsule collection transforms from brooches to pendants.
SourcingJul 21, 2026
Anglo Reportedly Selects Gareth Penny’s Consortium as Top Bidder for De BeersA Botswana government official told lawmakers Anglo has selected The Global Diamond Consortium, an entity chaired by Penny, to buy De Beers.
Policies & IssuesJul 20, 2026
Tariffs on Brazil to Increase But Rough Gemstones ExemptThe new tariff, imposed after a Trump administration study, is 25 percent and will stack on top of existing tariffs.
CollectionsJul 20, 2026
Vhernier Transforms ‘Freccia’ Collection Into High JewelryThe collection from 2014 has been reinterpreted into high jewelry with its signature triangular-shaped elements.
MajorsJul 20, 2026
Krista Collins Walters Promoted to Publisher of InstoreShe will also take on the role of vice president of jewelry for SmartWork Media, a newly created position.
Events & AwardsJul 20, 2026
TJS Accepting Speaker Proposals for 2027 EventOrganizers are looking for presentations on topics like manufacturing, technology and research, bench work, gemstones, and sustainability.
CollectionsJul 17, 2026
HOWL Taps Shailene Woodley for ‘Home Sweet Home’ CampaignWoodley is seen in the campaign wearing our Piece of the Week, the “Frida” collar featuring 13 pieces of hand-carved Venetian glass.
SourcingJul 17, 2026
U.K. Woman Pays £5 for £15K Diamond Ring at Car Boot SaleA WeBuyVintage jewelry expert uncovered how much the flea market find was actually worth.
SourcingJul 17, 2026
Diamond Dealer Jeff Pancis Pens MemoirThe founder of natural colored diamond wholesaler Pancis Gems shares stories from his five decades in the industry.
Events & AwardsJul 17, 2026
Gem Awards Opens 2027 Nomination PeriodSubmissions for the milestone 25th annual Gem Awards will be accepted across three categories from now through July 31.
SourcingJul 16, 2026
Ekati to Close, Leaving Canada With One Diamond Mine The diamond mine, which opened nearly 30 years ago in Canada’s Northwest Territories, is expected to shut down by mid-August.
